Description
This Turkey Gravy recipe delivers a creamy, rich, and savory sauce that’s perfect for enhancing your holiday feast. Ready in under 15 minutes, it uses simple pantry staples to create a smooth, lump-free gravy with deep flavor and a luscious texture. Easy to customize for dietary needs and versatile enough to complement turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and more.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons turkey drippings (reserved fat from pan drippings)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or cornstarch/gluten-free flour for gluten-free option)
- 2 cups chicken or turkey broth, warm
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Additions
- Fresh thyme or sage (for aromatic flavor)
- Fresh rosemary or sage (for herby boost)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (for rich and creamy texture)
- Pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika (for a spicy kick)
- Butter or additional pan fat for sautéing (if needed)
Instructions
- Collect Your Drippings: After roasting your turkey, carefully pour the pan drippings through a sieve into a measuring cup, separating the fat from the juices. Skim off excess fat but reserve at least 2 tablespoons for flavor.
- Make a Roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the reserved turkey fat or butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until the mixture turns golden and smells nutty. This roux will thicken the gravy without lumps.
- Slowly Add Broth and Drippings: Gradually whisk in the turkey drippings combined with warm chicken or turkey broth, ensuring the mixture stays smooth. Continue whisking as the gravy comes to a simmer and begins to thicken beautifully.
- Season and Simmer: Add salt, pepper, and any optional herbs or spices. Let the gravy simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to develop flavor and reach your desired consistency.
- Strain and Serve: For an ultra-smooth finish, strain the gravy through a fine mesh sieve into a serving dish. Serve warm over sliced turkey or your favorite side dishes and enjoy!
Notes
- Don’t skip cooking the roux; it removes the raw flour taste and ensures a smooth gravy.
- Use warm broth to avoid lumps and promote even thickening.
- Whisk constantly throughout to keep the gravy smooth and prevent sticking.
- Adjust thickness by adding more broth if too thick, or simmer longer if too thin.
- Always save your turkey drippings—they are key for rich flavor.
- To make gluten-free gravy, substitute flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend.
- Vegetarian option: omit drippings and use mushroom broth or vegetable stock instead.
- Reheat gently on low heat with occasional whisking and add broth or water if needed.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Condiments
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup (60 ml)
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
Keywords: Turkey gravy, holiday gravy, turkey sauce, gluten-free gravy, homemade gravy, holiday side dish
